ALL POSTS TAGGED "[travel photos]"

The US government shut down for the first time in 17 years, thwarting tourists’ plans in Washington, DC — but it was business as usual for the rest of the world in this week in photos. Whether you’re trying to salvage your vacation — or trying to forget the whole thing — our favorite travel bloggers came to the rescue.

If you had a trip planned to one of the nation’s nearly 400 national parks, historic sites and monuments in the near future, you’re most likely working on rescheduling your vacation. The Daily Traveler has put together a list of government shutdown alternatives featuring ways to visit historic sites and still get a dose of history to work around the indefinite closing of the nation’s national monuments and parks this week.

When it comes to planning your next trip, Nomadic Matt has 17 easy tips to help with the process. Stemming from his personal experiences, Matt’s helpful tips include everything from picking a destination and planning activities to automating your bills and telling your credit card companies you’re traveling.

If you’re flying this fall and find that the airplane seats are a little too close for comfort, know you’re not alone. According to a post on Gadling, 9 out of 10 passengers would like to see reclining airplane seats banned. Next time, look behind before you recline.

Fashion week continues in Milan, Team USA surprises at America’s Cup and Breaking Bad has 2 reasons to celebrate in this week in photos. While you’re holding your breath for Sunday’s Breaking Bad finale … here are our favorite travel blog posts of the week to keep you occupied.

Gadling suggests thanks to climate change, a country might not be around for much longer. Read more about the Maldives “expiration date.”

Never stayed in a hostel? Swear by them? Nomadic Matt reveals 6 ways to avoid staying in a bad one. Take note.

Budget Travel explains how you can house-sit your way around the world. We’d be game to try.

Johnny Jet plans the perfect long layover at LAX. He says “if your layover is three hours or more, jump in a taxi and take a mini vacation” to Manhattan Beach, CA.

Finally in other California posts, Camels & Chocolate prescribes a perfect day in San Francisco. Start with a stroll through the Haight…

Here she comes … Miss America … and Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, and the Dalai Lama — all in this week in photos. There are more familiar faces in our weekly travel news roundup, so let’s get to it.

Gadling has the scoop on how you can spend your next vacation with your favorite celebrities, including Britney Spears, Jackie Chen and Daniel Craig.

The Daily Traveler got a first look at Jet Blue’s premium lie-flat “suite” seats — and provided pictures as proof.

We’ve already established Nomadic Matt is our type of traveler. This week, he brings us this gem about a 70-year-old couple who bucked tradition and traveled the world.

Our friends at Fathom Away got to play Cinderella for a night in Venice at the Aman Canal Grande Venice.

Last, but not least, Wired brings us the curious case of the 103-year-old car phone.